Denmark Introduces 10-Day Work Permit Exemption for Key Event Staff

Denmark, the Scandinavian country just made it a little easier for some foreign workers to enter the country for short, event-related jobs. The new rule is simple on the surface, but the fine print matters, so let’s walk through it in a way that actually makes sense.

Denmark’s New 10-Day Work Permit Exemption

Denmark now allows certain foreign nationals to work in the country for up to 10 days without a work permit. This applies only to people coming to run or support large business events, conferences or trade fairs.

Think of roles like managers, planners, organisers, technicians or communication staff. These are the people who make a big event run smoothly behind the scenes.

Who Can Use the 10-Day Exemption?

The exemption applies only to key event personnel, such as:

• Event managers and planners
• Technicians and communication experts
• Other professionals are essential to organising or running the event

You must be part of an international event team.

• Your employer must be outside Denmark.
• Your role must be essential to running the event.
• And the event itself must be indoors, not open to the public and have at least 400 registered participants.

If all of this fits your situation, you can enter Denmark and work for up to 10 days without going through a full work permit process.

What Types of Events Qualify

The event itself has to meet certain conditions:

• It must be a closed, indoor business event, not open to the general public.
• There must be at least 400 registered participants.
• The exemption covers work done before, during, and immediately after the event—such as setup, coordination, and closing duties.

This move is aimed at supporting international business gatherings in Denmark while keeping border and labor rules clear.

What Is Allowed During the 10 Days

You can do prep work before the event, your normal duties during the event and whatever wrap-up work is needed after. The important part is that all of this must relate to that specific event.

Who This Does Not Cover

This exemption is not for:

• Public festivals or concerts
• Freelancers without an official employer
• Anyone hired locally in Denmark
• Open or outdoor events
• Roles not considered essential or “key staff”

If your situation is even slightly outside the limits, you will need another type of work authorization.

Other Work Visa Options in Denmark

If you do not qualify for the 10-day exemption, Denmark offers several work visa routes.

1. Fast Track Scheme

Designed for companies approved by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration. It allows quick hiring of foreign specialists.

2. Pay Limit Scheme

Available for foreign workers with a job offer that meets Denmark’s minimum annual salary requirement. Ideal for skilled professionals.

3. Positive List

This is Denmark’s shortage occupation list. If your job is on the list and you have an offer from a Danish employer, you can apply for a residence and work permit.

4. Short-Term Work Permit

Useful for temporary assignments lasting more than 10 days but still not long-term. This requires an employer in Denmark and a formal permit.

5. EU/EEA Worker Rights

If you hold EU or EEA nationality, you do not need a work permit in Denmark. Registration is still required, but the process is straightforward.

How This Helps Travellers and International Workers

If you regularly work on international conferences, this rule removes one more hurdle. You can fly in, set things up, deliver your part of the project and fly out without extra bureaucracy.

If you work in tech, hospitality, media, production or logistics and often support big events, this exemption makes Denmark more accessible for short assignments.

And if you do longer contracts or work unrelated to events, the other visa pathways give you a clearer structure to follow.